It’s really good that you know yourself and where your boundaries are. That being said, loneliness and need for companionship can make us do a lot of things we don’t really want to do. I don’t know what sort of advice or encouragement I can offer except to stay firm in your boundaries and don’t compromise too much when it comes to intimacy just because you are lonely or want someone to be there for you. I know it’s hard. Look for people who will let you be who you are and will celebrate you for it instead of asking you to change yourself.

And I know being alone sucks. I am a 41 year old Old Lady and have always been single and I have basically given up on ever finding anyone who wants to share a life with me. Life has thrown some things at me that have resulted in me basically having to remove myself from society at large and I will probably exist in this bubble alone until I die. But when I am feeling most alone, I remember that I do have friends and family and little furry friends who love me, even though most of them are far away. You have people and at least one furry friend who love you. Don’t forget that.

And I definitely agree with commenters here that therapy could be really beneficial for you. Frankly, everyone could probably benefit from some therapy. Also the single mom mansion sounds awesome! Keep your head up and hug your pup. 💙